Let Switzerland Surprise You!

What body of the Swiss Armed Forces was created in 1941? What alliance was formed in Bern in 1353? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you might want to invest in “Helvetiq,” a new trivia game about Switzerland. Helvetiq was created by Algerian immigrant Hadi Barkat and two Swiss friends. Faced with the prospect of passing his naturalization interview to become a Swiss citizen, Barkat found no study guide to help him. Thus was Helvetiq born. The game takes its players through 212 questions about Swiss politics, history, culture and sports. Players can also navigate the Swiss political system by using the tools of direct democracy. Although designed for people studying for their naturalization interview, Helvetiq has a broad appeal for anyone interested in Switzerland. So far, it has been a resounding success: the first 3,500 copies in French sold out quickly; German, English, Italian and Romansch versions are also forthcoming.

2009 marks the 40^th anniversary of the landing on the moon. From the legendary Omega Speedmaster watch, worn on the wrists of many astronauts, to atomic clocks for satellites; from capsule launchers for rockets, to motors for NASA’s Mars Rover, Switzerland has been a provider of advanced technology since the start of the space race. Building on this tradition, Switzerland has now developed a national space policy that strengthens its commitment to space exploration and research and promotes the Swiss space industry. As a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA), Switzerland has contributed financially to the organization for 40 years and has provided technology integral to many missions. Swiss expertise crosses the ocean to NASA, as well. Swiss astrophysicist Claude Nicollier was the first foreigner ever to be granted mission specialist status and has flown four missions with NASA. Switzerland’s contribution to American and European space policies will be the featured topic at a March 26 event in Washington, D.C.

Ensuring the rights of textile workers has just become much easier for Swiss consumers, thanks to the work of The Berne Declaration, a Swiss nonprofit organization founded in 1968 to promote better relationships between developed and developing countries. The group has conducted a survey of 23 Swiss clothing firms to identify how well these companies measure up to ethical standards. The companies were rated according to the criteria of the Clean Clothes Campaign, which calls for health and safety, living wages, job security and reasonable working hours for global textile workers. Results were published online so that consumers can easily check how their favorite Swiss firms compare to other European companies. While only two Swiss companies earned marks as “leaders” in the field (Switcher and Coop), several companies, prompted by the survey, have pledged to improve their scores. Some have joined the Fair Wear Foundation, which helps companies develop plans for ethical and sustainable clothing production.

In the wee hours of March 2, 2009, the first Monday of Lent, thousands of people will gather in total darkness in the streets and small alleys
[Back to Press Releases Main]